Glossary

Capacity (kg)

What this term means when it appears on an appliance specification or energy label.

In short

The rated capacity is the maximum weight of dry cotton laundry, in kilograms, that the manufacturer declares the machine can wash in one eco 40-60 cycle at full load.

The figure on the energy label and in the specification is for dry laundry, so a 9 kg machine takes about nine kilograms of dry cottons. Other fabrics and programmes usually allow less: delicates, wool and quick programmes have smaller stated maximums in the manual.

For washer-dryers two capacities are given: the washing capacity and a smaller drying capacity, because laundry needs room to tumble when it is dried. A full wash load usually has to be split before drying.

Sources

Where this comes from

Examples from the index

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

What does capacity mean on a washing machine?

The rated capacity is the maximum weight of dry cotton laundry, in kilograms, that the manufacturer declares the machine can wash in one eco 40-60 cycle at full load.